Sweet and Sour Slaw

This vibrant Sweet and Sour Slaw is a fresh twist on a classic side. Made with crunchy cabbage, red and green bell peppers, and slivers of onion, it’s tossed in a tangy vinegar‑based dressing—no mayo in sight. The balance of sweet and tart makes this slaw the perfect companion to grilled meats, sandwiches, or any summer spread. It’s light, refreshing, and full of crisp texture, bringing a bright pop of flavor to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a cookout, prepping for a picnic, or adding color to a weeknight dinner, this slaw delivers that irresistible mix of crunch and zing that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Reasons you will love this slaw
- It’s light, crisp, and refreshing. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the cabbage, peppers, and onions. This makes it a standout side that never feels heavy.
- No mayo needed. The vinegar‑based dressing keeps things bright and tangy.
- Sweet and tangy in perfect balance. The combination of sugar and vinegar creates that classic sweet‑and‑sour flavor that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, and barbecue favorites.
- Easy to make ahead. This slaw actually gets better as it sits. This allows the flavors to meld while the veggies stay crisp.
- Colorful and crowd‑pleasing. The mix of red and green peppers adds a pop of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
Sweet and Sour Slaw
Ingredients
Slaw Ingredients
- 1 head green cabbage shredded
- 2 large sweet onions diced
- 1 large green pepper diced
- 1 large red pepper diced
- 1 cup sugar
Dressing Ingredients
- 4 tsp sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tbsp salt
Instructions
Putting the slaw together
- Layer the ingredients in a bowl, starting and ending with cabbage: cabbage, onion, pepper mixture, cabbage. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the top. Do not stir it together!
Dressing
- Place all the ingredients in small pot and stir together. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Pour the mixture over the slaw.
- Let refrigerate for about 4 hours before serving.